Dandelions in Calgary: Council asks for report this fall

After much public debate,Calgary city council has decided to ask for a report on what to do about dandelions in parks, green spaces and boulevards.

• City says dandelions aren't a growing problem

Since 1998 the city uses herbicides only if necessary using levels approved in its pest management plan.

However, a motion before council saidsome homeowners and businesses feel they are in a losing battle with dandelions.

Councillorshave asked for thereport to come back by Oct. 5. The goal is it will address how to improve dandelion control and the associated costs.

If the recommendations are adopted by council, city crews could begin new methods of controlling dandelions next spring.

Spearheading the effort is Ward 14 Coun.Peter Demong, who says he's been fielding plenty of complaints about dandelions.

"I'm not looking to do Agent Orange across half the city," said Demong, "I'm not even looking at increasing herbicide use, but what other options are there."

Some Calgarians,though, seem indifferent to the idea.

"Let them go wild, they don't hurt anything," said Christie Stayner."The kids love picking them."